
Living in a small space can be a challenge, but cargo container homes are a great solution for those who want to downsize without sacrificing comfort. This type of home is perfect for singles, couples, or small families.
With cargo container homes, you can expect to save money on rent and utilities, as they are often cheaper to build and maintain than traditional homes. In fact, a study found that a cargo container home can cost as little as $20,000 to build, compared to a traditional home which can cost upwards of $200,000.
One of the biggest advantages of cargo container homes is their compact size, which makes them ideal for small spaces. A single 20-foot cargo container can provide a spacious living area of around 320 square feet.
For another approach, see: Tracking Fedex Home Delivery
Container Home Plans
Creating container home plans is a breeze with modern home design software like Cedreo, which can help you create stunning 2D and 3D layouts in minutes, not days.
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You can design a floor plan that's both practical and comfortable, even with limited space, by considering 6 important factors, such as the size and shape of the container, natural light, and ventilation.
With Cedreo, you can build 2D floor plans and decorate them in 3D, making it easy to visualize your design and make changes as needed.
You can also explore different container home designs, such as the 2D Container Home Floor Plan and 3D Container Home Floor Plan, to get inspiration for your own project.
If you're working with a single 20 FT or 40 FT container, you'll want to plan carefully to maximize square footage and make the most of the space.
To get started, begin by building the floor plan in 2D mode, using digital tools to position each segment of the container home, including walls, doors, and windows.
The Home Cube by Rhino Cubed is a great example of a stylish and functional container home, with an area of 320 sq. ft. and all the essentials needed for a comfortable living space.
Design Considerations
Designing a cargo container home plan requires careful consideration of several factors.
Limited space can make it a challenge to create a floor plan that's both practical and comfortable.
Modifying the existing shipping container can be costly, both in terms of time and money.
Cutting steel out of the container is a one-time deal - once it's done, there's no going back.
Ensuring adequate natural light is crucial for everyday living.
House Plans
You can create stunning 2D and 3D container home layouts in just minutes, not days, using modern home design software like Cedreo.
Designing a container home can be a challenge, especially with the limited space of a shipping container. Working with a shipping container requires considering practical and comfortable floor plans.
You can use digital tools in the planner to position each segment of the container home, including walls, doors, and windows. This allows you to explore different concepts and see what makes sense and what doesn't.

Creating a floor plan that's both practical and comfortable can be achieved by considering six important factors when designing container homes for clients. These factors are crucial in making the most of the limited space.
You can build the floor plan in 2D mode and then move to 3D mode to visualize the design. This helps you see how the different rooms and features will fit together.
Some examples of real container home designs can be found online, showcasing different layouts and configurations. These examples can inspire and guide you in designing your own cargo container home plan.
Steps to Build
Building a cargo container home requires some planning and preparation. Making this new dream house a reality will take some time and effort.
You'll need to start by deciding on the type of shipping container you want to use, which can range from 8 to 40 feet in length. The process of building shipping container homes follows a similar process to building a traditional home.
You'll need to purchase the container, which can be done through a shipping company or a online marketplace. The cost of the container will depend on its size and condition.
Next, you'll need to prepare the site where the container will be placed, which may involve leveling the ground and laying a foundation. Building shipping container homes requires some creativity and flexibility.
You can choose to build the interior of the container yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Building shipping container homes can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.
Insulation and Comfort
Insulation is a must for a comfortable living space in your cargo container home. You can insulate on the interior, but it will reduce your living space.
Spray foam insulation is commonly used, but it's the most expensive type. You can also consider cedar, vinyl, and log siding for exterior insulation.
Adding a nice deck to your cargo container home can extend your living space to the outside. By adding a roof or awning over the deck, you can have a 3-season outdoor living room or kitchen area.
The type of insulation you use will depend on where you live and your personal preferences. Building a cargo container home takes planning and preparation, but it's worth it for its cost-efficiency, mobility, and customizability.
Specific Designs

If you're looking for inspiration for your cargo container home, there are some amazing specific designs out there. The Home Cube by Rhino Cubed is a great example, offering 320 sq. ft. of living space that's perfect for two people.
This compact home comes with a full kitchen, full bathroom, and a living room, making it a great option for those who want to live comfortably in a small space. It's already complete with electrical and plumbing, and even features LED lighting and a mini-split HVAC.
You can also explore various floor plan examples with Cedreo, including 2D and 3D designs, to get a better sense of how to maximize your cargo container's space.
20/40 Ft Container Design Ideas
If you're planning to build a home out of a single container, you'll have to plan carefully to maximize square footage due to the limitations of shipping container dimensions.
The Home Cube by Rhino Cubed is a great example of a well-designed 320 sq. ft. container home that provides enough space to add some designs to your home.

A 40-foot long shipping container is a common size used for container homes, like the Bluebell Cottage model by SG Blocks, which has two bedrooms and an open concept kitchen and living room.
You can get creative with the layout of your container home, like the 2D and 3D floor plans shown in Container House Plan Examples, to make the most of the space.
The Home Cube is already complete with electrical and plumbing, making it a convenient option for those who want a hassle-free move-in experience.
SG Blocks' shipping container homes start at $90,000, making them a more affordable option for those looking to build a home from a used shipping container.
The HomeCube by RhinoCubed features a foldaway queen bed and lots of cabinet and closet space, making it a great option for couples who want a cozy and functional home.
A single 40-foot-long container can be outfitted with a washer, dryer, and dishwasher if desired, making it a great option for those who want a self-sufficient home.
Guest House by Poteet Architects

The Container Guest House by Poteet Architects is a unique and functional space designed for an artist and entrepreneur client. It features lots of light and access to the outdoors.
The guest house has three distinct spaces: a living area, a bathroom, and an air-conditioned garden shed. Each space is designed to serve a specific purpose and provide a comfortable experience for the user.
The living area has glass doors that open to a front porch, allowing for seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. This design element creates a sense of connection to nature and provides a relaxing atmosphere.
The bathroom features a composting toilet, a sustainable and eco-friendly option that reduces waste and conserves water. This thoughtful design choice reflects the client's values and commitment to environmental responsibility.
The air-conditioned garden shed has a separate entrance, providing a quiet and private space for relaxation or work. This design element allows the user to escape the main living area and enjoy some alone time.
Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse designs often blend traditional and modern elements.
A great example of this is the Modern Farmhouse by Backcountry Containers, which features a custom build with two 40-foot-long containers connected by a stick-built great room.
These containers house private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms, often referred to as "wings" of the home.
The great room is typically large and open, with a kitchen and living/dining area combined in one space.
This layout creates a sense of flow and connection between different areas of the home, making it perfect for families or social gatherings.
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Studio Design Bump Out
A studio design bump out is a great way to add functionality and comfort to a single shipping container. Adding a slight bump out to extend the width of the floor plan can make a huge difference.
Placing the front entrance on one side of the container leaves more livable space to use efficiently. This layout allows for a more open and airy feel.

The dining area and kitchen are typically set on the left side of the container, while a closet and sofa bed are on the right side. This division of space helps to create a sense of separation between different areas of the studio.
A rear door beside the kitchen leads to a bathroom and an area for laundry facilities, making it easy to access these essential amenities. This layout is simple, yet highly efficient.
Design Ideas
Building a home out of a single container requires careful planning to maximize square footage due to the limitations of shipping container dimensions.
You'll need to consider the standard 20 FT and 40 FT container sizes, which can be a challenge to work with.
To get the most out of your space, watch a video on shipping container home design ideas, as they can provide valuable insights and inspiration.
Front Porch Living
The Front Porch Living Model is a versatile container home that's perfect for tiny living, fishing or hunting cabins, weekend getaways, and more.

It comes equipped with a loft, one bathroom, a living room, and a front porch, making it an ideal space for relaxation and entertainment.
One of the standout features of this model is its 26” pantry cabinet, which provides ample storage for all your essentials.
This feature is especially handy if you're looking for extra space in your house, and it works well in conjunction with other container homes like the JJC Flat Pack Container House.
A front porch is a great addition to any home, offering a comfortable outdoor space for enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.
The Luckdrops
The Luckdrops Container Home is a great example of stylish and comfortable living. It's made from up-cycled shipping containers.
Luckdrops carefully plans each space to ensure efficiency and spaciousness. Their design observes minimalism to make the most of the available space.
This model includes interior and exterior finishings, a full kitchen, a full bathroom, and a bedroom. The doors and windows are energy-efficient and made from sustainable materials.
The Luckdrops Container Home is weather-proof, durable, and up-to-code. It's a great option to consider if you're looking for a unique and eco-friendly living space.
Contemporary 2B2B Design

A semi-stacked design is a great way to maximize space in a container home, as seen in the Contemporary Container Design example.
You can have a garage and storage set on the ground, while the upper level features a kitchen, dining, and living room sharing the left side of the home.
Wall-to-wall glass doors lead out to a generously sized patio that stretches the entire length of the lower container, perfect for outdoor living.
The right side of the upper level features two baths set towards the front of the property, with a storage closet in between.
A large master bedroom is reserved on the other wing, complete with a connected ensuite for extra privacy.
With a carefully planned layout, you can transform steel containers into stunning homes that are fully equipped for comfortable, year-round living.
Kubed Living offers custom and pre-designed layouts for shipping container structures that promote sustainable living, based in California.
You can use a 3D home design planner to draft plans, compare unique concepts, and find the right fit for your client's lifestyle.
HomeByMe's 3D planner can produce professional, high-quality designs for your container home project.
Planning and Shipping

The master and secondary bed are often placed at the rear portion of the home, creating a spacious design that feels far from cramped.
A sleek design can be achieved by thinking outside the box, as seen in strategic shipping container home plans that showcase innovative layouts.
By placing the bedrooms at the rear, you can create a sense of separation between living and sleeping areas, making the most of your cargo container home's unique space.
Photorealistic Visualizations
Photorealistic visualizations are a game-changer for container home planning. They give clients a first-person view from inside their future home, allowing them to envision their space in full detail.
With 3D renderings created using Cedreo, clients can see accurate lighting and realistic textures, making it easier for them to imagine their final product. This level of detail helps clients feel more connected to their project.
Interior renderings are a key part of photorealistic visualizations, providing a detailed view of the inside of the container home. Cedreo's software makes it easy to create these renderings, saving you time and effort.
Photorealistic visualizations stand out in project proposals, setting you apart as a housing professional. By including these visualizations, you can give clients a more immersive experience, helping them understand your vision for their container home.
Step 2: Purchase

Purchasing a shipping container is a crucial step in building your dream home. The scale of your plans will dictate the size, type, and condition of the shipping container you'll buy.
Shipping container prices can range from $2000 to $6000, primarily depending on its size, age, condition, and location. Transportation cost can be 50-75% of the cost if your delivery location is far from the depot.
A popular shipping container size used for homes is a 40-foot, high-cube container, offering about 320 square feet of living space with 9.5-foot ceilings. This size is suitable for one to two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a decent-sized kitchen/living room combo space.
Used 40-foot high cube containers start around $3000, while new ones are 50% higher. To make an informed decision, research the vendor's reputation, condition of the shipping container, financing, warranties, and past customer feedback.
Related reading: High Value Cargo Transportation
Making Plans
You can start making plans for your shipping container home by building a 2D floor plan. Begin in 2D mode and build out the floor plan, using digital tools to position each segment of the container home.
Building a floor plan is a crucial step in the process, and you can use programs like Sketchup or Planner5D to produce basic designs for your permit application. It's a good idea to find an architect who has worked with shipping containers in the past because building with them is entirely different than a typical wooden, steel, or brick building.
You can use 3D floor planners to create container home plans with confidence. This powerful software makes it easy to build 2D floor plans and decorate them in 3D, allowing you to choose from a diverse mix of materials and real brand-name products.
Before you even order a shipping container, make sure you have all the necessary building code permits and planning permission from the local entities. You can probably assemble everything you need by yourself if you're building a home out of a single container.
Shipping
Shipping is a crucial aspect of building a shipping container home. You can purchase a used shipping container for about $2,500 or a brand new one for around $5,000.

These containers are made of Corten steel, which protects cargo during transport overseas. This durable material can withstand inclement weather conditions better than traditional housing.
Shipping container homes are also easy to modify. A shipping container home can be built with a mix of 20-foot and 40-foot containers. It's also easy to combine multiple shipping containers to create a larger home with extra bedrooms, a second floor, or even a shipping container guest house.
If you need to relocate for any reason, it's possible to make your shipping container home mobile by hiring a shipping transportation service to move your single-container house anywhere you choose.
Here are some notable benefits of shipping container homes:
- Cost-effective vs. traditional housing
- Quick to construct
- Modular homes
- Durable, low-maintenance, and secure
- Can be relocated
- Environmentally beneficial
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 2000 sq ft container home?
A 2000 sq ft container home can cost between $300,000 to $700,000, depending on the size, features, and number of containers used. With prices ranging from $150 to $350 per square foot, the total cost will depend on the specific design and customizations.
Can you have a container home in Minnesota?
Yes, shipping container homes are allowed in Minnesota. If you're considering a container home in Minnesota, check local building codes and regulations for specific requirements.
What are two disadvantages of using a shipping container to build a home?
When considering shipping containers for a home build, two key disadvantages to be aware of are the potential for shape and size limitations, as well as the need for additional reinforcement to ensure structural integrity.
Is it cheaper to build a container home or a regular home?
Yes, building a container home is generally cheaper than a traditional home due to lower construction costs and faster build times. Container homes can be completed in weeks, saving you time and money.
How much does it cost to build a conex house?
The cost of building a conex house typically ranges from $25,000 to $400,000, with prices averaging $150 to $350 per square foot. Learn more about the factors that influence the cost of a conex house and how to plan your budget.
Sources
- https://cedreo.com/floor-plans/container-home/
- https://containerone.net/blogs/news/how-to-build-a-shipping-container-home-a-complete-guide
- http://www.jjchouses.com/container-house-floor-plans/
- https://www.dwell.com/article/shipping-container-home-floor-plans-4fb04079
- https://home.by.me/en/guide/how-to-build-container-home-plans-3d-floor-planner/
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